Struggling to remove a stubborn center nut from your kitchen sink – any advice on how to tackle this challenge?
Asked by Tomás Pulido 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 3, 2024
Do you have any tips for removing this center nut from the kitchen sink?
You may need a special tool for that. Consider replacing the entire faucet – that rust has been there for a while.
Use a socket and ratchet with an extension.
Try using a sawzall or oscillator to cut it, since you’re going to replace it anyway.
Try using WD40 first, then grab a socket and ratchet. The plumbing tool isn’t doing the trick.
Use a saw to cut off the valve from the top, but be sure to protect the sink.
Can you pass me the basin wrench?
When mine was in that condition, I needed to employ an oscillator with a carbide blade. It becomes simpler when you remove the entire sink from the cabinet. You can spot the clips in the photo towards the middle on the right side.
Flex it back and forth until it snaps.
Starting from the top
A multi-tool should do the trick, just be careful not to overdo it.
Use a socket with a ratchet or even an impact gun. Make sure to apply plenty of WD40 at least 24 hours beforehand.
The tubes for the cooper are pliable. Just bend them aside! Completed! A basin wrench is useful but won’t quite fit like this. A handheld nut driver with holes at the bottom, so a screwdriver can help with torque.
Apply pb blaster and allow it to soak overnight
Kroil is the best.
When you’re swapping it out, simply trim it down.
6-point socket with an extension
Turn off water, clamp vise grips onto it, and gently wiggle back and forth until it breaks
Spanner for tube
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I-_G0HB9tl0
Dealing with that faucet is such a pain. I usually grab a deep well socket and some extensions to reach underneath the sink, then I turn it counterclockwise until the threaded rod breaks off inside the faucet body.
I would disconnect the supply lines, drain, and then remove the sink to work on it.
Five people laughing emoji. Trying to work in tight spaces under a sink while lying on your back is not as fun as it seems. But don’t worry, I’ve been there, done that, and discovered a better approach.
7/16 wrench
I can totally relate! I had the same thing happen last night when I was installing a new faucet. I was lying down trying to use a deep socket, but couldn’t get enough strength to unscrew it. So, I kept adding longer and longer extensions until it was low enough for me to reach and turn without having to get in an uncomfortable position on my back.
When removing the faucet, make sure to bend the two copper lines away from the nut so you can use the right wrench. Consider spraying some WD-40 or PB blaster on it and letting it sit for a while before trying to loosen it.
Try using some WD40 on it and leave it overnight. Then grab a basin wrench and give it another go.
Using a basin wrench can make the task much easier
If the basin wrench/WD-40 combo doesn’t do the trick, try using a multitool to cut it.
PB Blaster
I would grab my crows foot wrench with an extension
Just leave it
When you’re installing a new faucet, simply detach the hex bolt located between the two water lines
After using some penetrating oil and waiting for 3 days, you can easily remove the faucet with a wrench
Give it a spray with WD 40, leave it for 24 hours. Lying on your back, tap gently to the left (lefty-loosey) with a broad, long-handled flat screwdriver (you can use a hammer) and it should move enough to twist by hand. If not, you might need to spray it again with penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench, let it sit overnight, and give it another shot. The rust looks severe but mine was in bad shape too and it eventually came loose.
My situation was similar and I ended up using a sawzall and angle grinder. It was a bit of a hassle but the end result was good.
Simply grab a Dremel tool and chop it off. just make sure to use a sturdy cutting disc.
I pulled on mine until it loosened a bit then used my multi-tool cutter. 🤌🏾
You can bend the water lines and use a short wrench on it.
Use a socket with a battery-powered impact.
Try giving it a spray of penetrating oil and then use a wrench. If all else fails, disconnect the faucet and sink, take out the sink, and go for it. Best of luck.
Use a generous amount of WD40 along with a box spanner, that should do the trick
😂 I think I actually ended up cutting the faucet from the top the last time I changed ours
For starters, apply PB Blaster or a similar product. It’s best to do this gradually over a few days.
Then, grab a socket (the screw seems to have a hexagonal head) and a lengthy extension. Once you manage to loosen it slightly, move it back and forth.
If all else fails, consider cutting it off with an angle grinder or a Dremmel. That faucet is no good anyway.
😳
Oil plus warmth
It seems like you’re swapping out the faucet, start by disconnecting the water lines and bending them aside. That old one is not worth keeping anyway.
I would probably just remove it with a multi-tool to make things simpler. No point in attempting to save something so old. You could also try using PB blaster/liquid wrench with a socket or box end wrench. I’d personally cut those aged supplies out of the way.
Spanner and a hundred small twists
Update: We were able to remove it last night. I was assisting my in-laws (lesson learned). Thanks to everyone for sharing your expertise and guidance. I’m truly grateful.
Dremel